MedRx Avant Polar HIT User manual

USER MANUAL

MedRx Avant Polar HIT
AH-I-MPHITU-3 – Effective 05/31/2011
2
Contents
Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………...... 3
AVANT™ POLAR HIT™ Software Overview ………………………………………………………. 4
AVANT™ POLAR HIT™ Software Options ………………………………………………………… 5
Preparing for Testing ………………………………………………………………………………….. 7
Making HIT Measurements ……………………………………………………………………………10
Sample HIT Measurements ……………………………………………………………………………11
Testing Directional Hearing Instruments (Polar Plots) …………………………………………….. 12
Clinical Use of Polar Plots …………………………………………………………………………... 18
Printing ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 18
Limited Warranty ………………………………………………………………………………………. 19
#0086
www.medrx-usa.com
1200 Starkey Rd., #105, Largo FL 33771
Toll Free: [phone] • [phone]
Fax: [phone] • Email: [email protected]
MedRx's Authorized Representative in Europe
(Regulatory affairs only)
Emergo Europe, Molenstraat 15
2513 BH The Hague, The Netherlands
Tel: (31) (0) 70 345-8570 • Fax: (31) (0) 70 346-7299

MedRx Avant Polar HIT
AH-I-MPHITU-3 – Effective 05/31/2011
3
Introduction
Hearing Instrument Testing (HIT) measures the hearing instrument response in a 2 cc coupler in the
test chamber. The coupler response is then compared to the manufacturer specification to ensure
quality performance or to detect possible malfunctions of the hearing instrument.
This system follows the ANSI S3.22-2003 and IEC 60118-7 (2005) standards for hearing aid
measurement methods.
The Avant Polar HIT supports the following measurements:
OSPL-90 Frequency Response Input/Output (AGC) Induction Coil
Full on Gain Equivalent Input Noise Battery Current Directionality
Reference Test Gain Harmonic Distortion Attack/Release
The AVANT Polar HIT represents a new era of precision Hearing Instrument Testing for your office.
Compact yet rugged, this PC-Based system is USB powered and performs all required ANSI and IEC
tests. A unique feature of the Polar HIT is a rotating test pad, which allows you to generate polar plots to
verify the performance of directional microphones upon delivery and following repairs. This manual will
explain the available tests and provide step-by-step instructions for all supported tests.
This manual assumes that the system hardware, software and drivers are installed and working properly.
Please refer to the MedRx Avant Polar HIT Installation Manual for assistance.
The scope of this manual is to get you “up and running” with the AVANT Polar HIT System. Please
consult the interactive Help System within the software for more detailed information of features and
functionality. To access this tool, press the F1 key at any time, or click the Help icon or text menu with
your mouse.

MedRx Avant Polar HIT
AH-I-MPHITU-3 – Effective 05/31/2011
4
The AVANT HIT Software
General Overview
The AVANT HIT software will either run as a part of the AVANT Software Suite (figure 1), or as a stand-
alone module (figure 2). The AVANT Software Suite can run stand-alone or from NOAH System or the
TIMS NOAH-Compatible Office System.
Figure 1 The AVANT Software Suite Main Screen Figure 2 The AVANT HIT Stand-Alone Main Screen
Launching the HIT Software
Stand Alone NOAH and TIMS
1. Double click the AVANT HIT shortcut
on your Windows Desktop 1. Launch NOAH 2. Click the Module Selection icon
3. Click the Measurement Tab
4. Double click the AVANT icon

MedRx Avant Polar HIT
AH-I-MPHITU-3 – Effective 05/31/2011
5
Software Options
Basic Options
The software allows you to set several default
options as described below. To access the Options
screen, click File, then Options from the Avant HIT
main window.
Options may also be accessed using the Options
menu once inside the HI Test software
The View tab allows you to set the default
appearance of the HIT test environment.
Values can be changed by using the check
boxes and pull-down menus shown above.
The HIT Tab allows you to select the
relevant Standard for your measurements
(ANSI S3.22-2003 or IEC 60118-7 2005) as
well as the general parameters for your HIT
measurements.
Note: HIT functionality is available in several MedRx products. These screens may vary slightly
depending on the product. Consult the interactive help system in the product you are using the HIT

MedRx Avant Polar HIT
AH-I-MPHITU-3 – Effective 05/31/2011
6
Advanced Options
The Advanced Options screen allows you to
configure your system to meet your individual
clinical needs. It also provides MedRx
Technical Support with tools for helping you
technical issues. Access this screen from the
File Menu on the Avant Main Screen as shown
to the right.
The key features of each tab are described below. For more in-depth information, consult the
interactive Help system within the software.
The General Tab configures the overall Avant
HIT environment and behavior with respect to
other Windows programs, specifically NOAH.
Use the Audio Tab to select the proper
audio device for your Avant HIT. If
necessary, this tab also provides access to
the Windows Audio controls.
If your system has a Video Otoscope, this Tab
allows you to select the appropriate device
driver.

MedRx Avant Polar HIT
AH-I-MPHITU-3 – Effective 05/31/2011
7
Preparing for ANSI/IEC
Hearing Instrument Testing
Attaching Hearing Instruments to the Coupler
ITE (In The Ear), ITC (In The Canal) and MIC (Mini Canal) Hearing Instruments
1. Seal acoustic vents.
2. Wrap the canal portion of the instrument with a hermetic sealing material such as Bostik Blu-
Tack (see Figure 1).
3. Align the sound bore with the opening of the ITE coupler adapter. Press the sealing material
firmly into the ITE adapter (see figure 2).
4. Ensure that the black o-ring is installed in the 2cc coupler and snap the ITE adapter in place
(see Figure 3).
Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3

MedRx Avant Polar HIT
AH-I-MPHITU-3 – Effective 05/31/2011
8
Attaching Hearing Instruments to the Coupler (cont.)
BTE (Behind The Ear) Hearing Instruments
1. Remove earmold from hearing instrument.
2. Attach ear hook to 20mm long Tygon tube on BTE Coupler Adapter (see Figure 4).
3. Snap the BTE Coupler Adapter onto the 2cc Coupler (see Figure 5).
Figure 4
Figure 5
Hearing Instruments with Button Receivers
1. Remove earmold from hearing instrument.
2. Attach the button receiver to the Coupler Adapter and seal with putty (see Figure 6).
3. Snap the Button Receiver Coupler Adapter onto the 2cc Coupler (see Figure 7).
Figure 6 Figure 7

MedRx Avant Polar HIT
AH-I-MPHITU-3 – Effective 05/31/2011
9
Positioning Hearing Instruments to the Test Chamber
The AVANT Polar HIT chamber utilizes two speakers positioned 900apart. When placing hearing
instruments in the chamber, it is critical to place the hearing instrument microphone adjacent to the
reference microphone. The center of the sound inlet of the hearing instrument microphone should be
between 2mm and 8mm from the center of the reference microphone. Proper positioning for ITE, BTE
and Body Worn hearing instruments are shown below.
ITE Hearing Instrument
BTE Hearing Instrument
Body Worn Hearing Instrument
Once the instrument is properly placed in the test chamber, turn the power on and close the lid of the
chamber. The latch will engage which an audible “click” when the lid is closed properly.
Notes:
1. ITE instruments are aligned as if they are being worn and the patient’s nose is facing the
Secondary Speaker.
2. BTE instruments are aligned as if they are being worn and the patient’s nose is facing the
Primary Speaker.
3. Battery pills are used for ITE and BTE Instruments, but not for Body Worn Instruments.

MedRx Avant Polar HIT
AH-I-MPHITU-3 – Effective 05/31/2011
10
Making HIT Measurements
General overview
The AVANT HIT software is designed to make the process of making HIT measurements simple.
The easiest way to complete them is to use the Auto Test feature.
Setting Auto Test Preferences
1. From the AVANT HIT Main screen, click HI
Test.
2. Click the Setup button below the list of
tests.
3. In the Test Setup Window, add or remove
the tests you want to include in your Auto
Test battery.
4. Select the appropriate amplifier and battery
type.
5. Select the test frequencies you wish to use.
6. Select your default stimulus.
• For ANSI and IEC tests, select Tone.
• To evaluate the performance of noise
reduction circuits, select Speech Noise.
• Select other stimuli as dictated by your
clinic policies or jurisdiction’s regulations.
7. Click Save to store your preferred settings
8. Click OK to close this window.
After setting your default preferences, simply place the hearing instrument into the test chamber
as described in the Avant Polar HIT Installation Manual and click the Auto button then click Start.
2
3
4
5
6
1

MedRx Avant Polar HIT
AH-I-MPHITU-3 – Effective 05/31/2011
11
Sample HIT Measurements
The screenshots below illustrate the Avant Polar HIT representations of the ANSI S3.22-2003 Hearing
Instrument Test Battery. The system also supports the IEC 60118-7 2005.
OSPL90 Full-On Gain
Reference Test Gain Frequency Response
Equivalent Input Noise Total Harmonic Distortion
Battery Current Input/Output
Attack/Release Induction Coil

MedRx Avant Polar HIT
AH-I-MPHITU-3 – Effective 05/31/2011
12
Testing Directional Hearing
Instruments (Polar Plots)
The Avant Polar HIT is unique in its ability to produce manufacturer-quality Polar Plots in your office. This
is accomplished using the Avant Polar HIT software and the unique Rotating Test Pad.
Attaching Hearing Instruments to the Coupler
ITE (In The Ear), ITC (In The Canal) and MIC (Mini Canal) Hearing Instruments
1. Seal acoustic vents.
2. Wrap the canal portion of the instrument with a hermetic sealing material such as Bostik Blu-Tack
(see Figure 1).
3. Align the sound bore with the opening of the ITE coupler adapter. Press the sealing material
firmly into the ITE adapter (see figure 2).
4. Ensure that the black o-ring is installed in the 2cc coupler and snap the ITE adapter in place (see
Figure 3).
Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3
BTE (Behind The Ear) Hearing Instruments
1. Remove earmold from hearing instrument.
2. Attach ear hook to the right angle tube on BTE Coupler Adapter (see Figure 4).
3. Snap the BTE Coupler Adapter onto the 2cc Coupler (see Figure 5).
Figure 4
Figure 5

MedRx Avant Polar HIT
AH-I-MPHITU-3 – Effective 05/31/2011
13
Positioning Hearing Instruments to the Test Chamber
The AVANT Polar HIT chamber utilizes two speakers positioned 900apart. When placing hearing
instruments in the chamber, it is critical to align them so the primary hearing instrument microphone is
perpendicular to the grille of the primary speaker. The Primary Speaker is on your right. Proper
positioning for ITE, and BTE hearing instruments are shown below.
ITE Hearing Instrument
BTE Hearing Instrument
Once the instrument is properly placed in the test chamber, turn the power on and close the lid of the
chamber. The latch will engage which an audible “click” when the lid is closed properly.
Notes:
4. ITE instruments are aligned as if they are being worn and the patient’s nose is facing the
Secondary Speaker.
5. BTE instruments are aligned as if they are being worn and the patient’s nose is facing the
Primary Speaker.
6. Battery pills are used for ITE and BTE Instruments, but fresh Zinc Air batteries may also be used.
Performing Polar Plot Testing (Manual Directionality Test)
1. Select the Directionality Test from
the list on the right of the screen.
• NOTE: Be sure to set the hearing
instrument into Directional Mode
2. Click

MedRx Avant Polar HIT
AH-I-MPHITU-3 – Effective 05/31/2011
14
3. Click
NOTE: During testing, the software will prompt you to manually rotate the test pad either
clockwise or counter-clockwise. Please refer to the figure below for reference.
7. Follow the screen prompts (circled in red below) to complete
the test.
NOTE: When the rotational cycle
is complete, the
button replaces the
button.

MedRx Avant Polar HIT
AH-I-MPHITU-3 – Effective 05/31/2011
15
A completed Polar Plot is shown below.
Interpretation:
The polar plot shows the
measured sensitivity of the
microphone for input signal at
different angles. Here we see
that the microphones of this
hearing instrument have
maximum sensitivity when the
test signal (1000 Hz pure tone) is
in front of the hearing instrument
(+/- 750).
The minimum sensitivity, or null of
the system occurs between 1050
and 1200to either side of the
center of the hearing instrument.
While there is still measurable
sensitivity directly behind the
hearing aid (1800), the system is
significantly less sensitive to
sounds in this position.
This type of microphone
configuration will provide a patient
with noticeable improvement in
speech discrimination in noise.

MedRx Avant Polar HIT
AH-I-MPHITU-3 – Effective 05/31/2011
16
Performing Polar Plot Testing (Automated Directionality Test)
The MedRx Polar HIT system uses a unique rotating base to allow the creation of Polar Plots of
directional hearing instrument sensitivity. Prior to beginning a Directionality test, place the
hearing instrument in the Test Chamber as described in the Preparing for Testing section of this
guide.
1. Select Directionality from the list and press Start, Directionality
test gauge is shown indicating current position inside the box.
2. Press Test and wait for the test to finish. The test is performed
automatically. Target and current positions are shown in real time
during the test execution.
Note: Functionality described above is only available for HIT boxes equipped with automated
rotational table. For HIT Box with manual table follow the Manual Directionality Test.
The Directionality Test helps to verify directional characteristics of hearing aids.
The procedure of the test depends of the type of the HIT box:
• For HIT boxes with automated rotational table, follow the Automated Directionality Test.

MedRx Avant Polar HIT
AH-I-MPHITU-3 – Effective 05/31/2011
17
Typical Polar Plot
Rotational Table Control
This topic is applicable only for boxes that have automated rotational table.
The Rotational Table is organized so that angles from 0 to 180 degrees cover one side of the
hearing aid, and 0 to -180 degrees cover the opposite side of the hearing aid.
The 0 (Zero) angle is assumed when the hearing aid microphone is facing the main (right)
speaker.
The Current box indicates the current angle.
The table can be rotated either by using the Left and Right arrows, or by selecting desired
angle in the dropdown box and clicking Go To button.
Note: The desired angle can also be typed direrctly in the dropdown box.
Note: While in Go To motion, the table can be stopped by clickinng Stop button.
The control is available for any test, except the Directionality Test. The Directionality Test
controls the table rotation automatically.

MedRx Avant Polar HIT
AH-I-MPHITU-3 – Effective 05/31/2011
18
Clinical Use of Polar Plots
Integrating new technology into your daily routine takes a bit of time and effort, but being certain that your
premium product line is in peak condition for every patient is well worth it. Testing each hearing
instrument upon receipt in the Avant Polar HIT chamber provides you with the confidence to know that
one of the key features in each patient’s hearing instrument fitting is functioning according to specification
before the appointment is made. Identifying these problems and rescheduling is far better than sending
a patient into the world with expectations that cannot be met.
As of 2007, there have been many peer-reviewed scientific papers demonstrating the benefits of
directional microphones for people with sensorineural hearing loss. Further, the MarkeTrak surveys
continue to show that discriminating speech in noise is one of the greatest challenges and most desired
outcomes for people purchasing hearing instruments.
The majority of hearing instrument manufacturers offer sophisticated directional microphone systems,
however other data reveals that manufacturing and shipping mishaps result in a large percentage of
instruments arriving at your office with malfunctioning directional microphones.
Additionally, the Avant Polar HIT allows you to quickly and precisely diagnose when directional
microphones fair or become misaligned after the sale. This expedites the repair process and ensures
your practice maintains the highest level of patient satisfaction and repeat business. Finally, the Avant
Polar HIT is also a comprehensive ANSI and IEC test chamber which allows you to also diagnose
distortion, weak amplifiers and malfunctioning telecoils.
Printing
The AVANT POLAR HIT software allows you to print tests individually or as a complete multi-test report.
Printing Individual Tests Printing Multi-Test Reports
1. Click File
2. Click Print
1. Click File
2. Click Print Report

MedRx Avant Polar HIT
AH-I-MPHITU-3 – Effective 05/31/2011
19
Limited Warranty
MedRx, Inc warrants the AVANT POLAR HIT TM System to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for one year from the time of purchase. If this system fails to perform as specified during
this period, the purchaser is responsible for calling MedRx at [phone]. The company's represen-
tative will advise the owner to either return specific components or the entire system to:
MedRx, Inc.
1200 Starkey Road #105
Largo, FL 33771
MedRx will repair or replace any defective parts, fully test the system and/or components and ship the
system promptly back to the owner. There is no cost for this warranty service, provided the system is one
year old or less and has not been misused, abused or damaged. Such damage includes, but is not limited
to, dropping, exposure to excessive heat greater than 100ºF and water/liquid damage.
Repair or replacement of the system as provided under this warranty is the sole and exclusive remedy of
the purchaser. MedRx shall not be liable for any consequential or incidental damages, or for breach of
any express or implied warranty. Except to the extent of applicable law, any implied warranty,
merchantability or fitness of this product is limited to the duration of this warranty.
MedRx will, at its discretion, service and repair out of warranty components at the purchaser's request,
charging for parts and labor as necessary.
The limited warranty is deemed void if software or hardware is installed on the AVANT POLAR HIT TM
which is not pre-approved by MedRx, Inc. Approved software includes NOAH™ and HIMSA approved
hearing aid manufacturer programming modules for fitting hearing aids.
MedRx, Inc is not responsible for problems resulting from installation of unapproved software or
hardware. In the event of unapproved software or hardware installed on the system causing a conflict with
the AVANT POLAR HIT TM functions, MedRx will service the problem for a fee to be determined at the
time of service.
Consult your MedRx Technical support member for other alternatives for back up.